PAUL TOWNEND looks to be a “certain winner” of a record-breaking FIFTH Cheltenham Gold Cup with Galopin Des Champs.
However, 2010 winner Paddy Brennan believes Banbridge has a “massive chance” of upsetting the odds.
Superstar Irish jockey Townend could surpass Pat Taaffe as the winningest rider in Gold Cup history next week.
While not confirmed, it is likely he will ride Galopin Des Champs, with whom he has won two of his four – the others being with Al Boum Photo.
The Willie Mullins-trained gelding has won the last two Gold Cups on the bounce, and Paddy Brennan admitted the prospect of the iconic duo doing so once again is a tantalising one.
Speaking on behalf of Cheltenham Free Bets the Galway-native said of Townend: “His legacy is incredible.
“It is hard to believe he has won four and possibly going to win five.
“Just to witness that moment would be history for every one. History for Galopin Des Champs and history for Paul Townend.”
While the current favourite, Brennan warned that Galopin Des Champs could be pushed by Banbridge.
The nine-year-old was a Grade One winner at Kempton last time out, and Brennan believes the dry weather could count in the nine-year-old’s favour.
He added: “The more I think of it, the more this dry weather gives him a chance.
“The only issue Paul Townend will have with such a small field, is not being able to go fast enough through the race.
“If he has to go and do the donkey work himself, it could became a factor later in the race because Banbridge can just follow him.
“From two out to the line, if Galopin Des Champs hasn’t went fast enough, maybe Banbridge can finish quicker than him.
“Galopin Des Champs is going to be 1/4.
“He looks a certain winner but I do think Banbridge has a massive chance especially if it stays dry.
“If there is no rain between now and Friday, he has a massive chance.”
DECISIONS DECISIONS
Confirming Paul Townend as the jockey of choice for Galopin Des Champs looks to be the easiest decision to make for Willie Mullins – amongst a variety of more complicated ones.
The legendary Irish trainer – who boasts over 100 winners at the Festival – has been doing a fair bit of moving and shaking.
He has already pulled Gaelic Warrior, El Fabiolo, and Blood Destiny from the Champion Chase.
Mullins is also due to make a decision on whether Lossiemouth will run in the Champion Hurdle, with owner Ricci Rich hinting that she could be swapped to the Mares’ Hurdle instead.
The Champion Hurdle field is a stacked one, including the likes of Constitution Hill, Brighterdaysahead, and State Man.
And while he would be surprised in Lossiemouth is moved to the Mares’ Hurdle, Brennan suggested the chances of victory may play a role in Mullins’ final decision.
He said: “He has got until Sunday to make final decision on Tuesday so there are going to be a lot more changes.
“It is hard to believe that Lossiemouth is becoming his ace card in the Mares’ Hurdle when she probably, all season, was running the Champion.
“If you asked me what is Willie’s best chance, it looks like her in the Mares’ Hurdle.
“They probably think they won’t be able to get any closer to Constitution Hill on this ground. There is a number of factors.
“Could you win a Champion Hurdle? Possibly. Could you win the Mares’ Hurdle? Definitely. That is the difference.”
BRIGHT FUTURE
The big news last week was Gordon Elliott‘s confirmation that Brighterdaysahead would run in the Champion Hurdle.
And Brennan believes the dry ground could allow for a challenge against the much-fancied Constitution Hill.
“The advantage does lie with Constitution Hill.
“The dry ground will favour him more than any other horse in the race but it is going to be a hell of a race and I am so pleased Brighterdaysahead is in it.
“It is going to be a fascinating race and one I cannot wait to watch.
“I think Brighterdaysahead will have the pace maker in King of Kingsfield and you want him to take her along for as long as possible and as hard as possible.
“The harder they go, the better for Brighterdaysahead.
“There won’t be many runners. There will be one, two, three, four, five, six – possibly six. There is not going to be many so it is going to be a great race.
“Every one wants to see a champion like Constitution Hill and he is a hell of a horse but maybe there will be a new champion in Brighterdaysahead.
“She has really impressed me this season, especially at Leopardstown last time.
“At a race course gallop, she looked awesome, so she has got a massive chance.”
